Welcome to GOLF’s Top 100 Teacher roundtable, where some of the best instructors in the business answer the game’s most pressing questions. The goal? To help your game and lower your scores ASAP.
If you want to shoot lower scores this season, you have to eliminate big numbers from your scorecard. Easier said than done, I know. One of the best ways to do it? Start by developing a few key shots you can lean on when your round starts to head south.
These shots won’t just save you strokes, they’ll build your confidence and prevent you from spiraling out — which is another big contributor to blow-up holes.
For most amateurs, the hardest part isn’t mastering these shots. It’s identifying which ones matter most. That’s where our Top 100 Teachers come in. We polled some of the best instructors in the country, and these are the three go-to shots they say every golfer needs in the bag this season.
The three-quarter swing
Every golfer needs a three-quarter swing. This easy swing can be used with wedge shots and iron shots. With a bit of practice, these key shots will boost your feel and creativity. – Kevin Sprecher
The fairway-finder drive
Most penalty shots come from off the tee, so if you have a drive that has a high percentage of getting in play it will help with both confidence and scoring. Remember, your go-to shot does not have to be pretty, it just has to be reliable. – Mike Bender
The knockdown shot
The knockdown shot is the swiss army knife of golf shots. It’s good for escaping trouble and navigating the wind. Every golfer should be able to hit these key shots. – Michael Hunt
